Abstract: Two tobacco streams are made simultaneously by feeding a main flow of tobacco particles upwardly through a suction duct which terminates beneath two parallel foraminous belt conveyors. The sidewalls of the duct have alternating wedge-like ramps which divide the ascending main flow into plural first and second flows in such a way that the first flows advance from one of the sidewalls toward the other sidewall and the second flows advance from the other sidewall toward the one sidewall. In addition, the sidewalls and their ramps define several passageways for unimpeded ascent of numerous relatively small third flows of tobacco particles directly against the convex underside of a partition which is located in the duct between the two conveyors. The partition breaks up each third flow into two equal partial flows and causes each partial flow to rise toward a different foraminous conveyor.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a mid-line clamp assembly for use in a posterior spinal system including components designed to be affixed to the spinal column of a person to correct for various lateral and sagittal deformities. The clamp assembly includes inferior and superior clamp halves slidably interconnected with one another. Each clamp half has a body portion and a shoe connected to the body portion. Each clamp half has a stud connected to the body portion. The studs are connectable to other members incorporated in this spinal system for fixing the position of the clamp halves with respect to each other. The clamps are used in conjunction with the spinal system which also includes a pair of smooth surfaced rods mounted in spaced relation to one another on the spinal column in conjunction with various fixation devices such as the clamps with hook bodies, hooks, screws with hook bodies and couplers.

Abstract: A relatively wide first layer of tobacco particles is broken up into several narrower second and several narrower third layers. The second layers are converted into a first tobacco filler stream which is trimmed to form a rod-like filler ready to be draped into a web of cigarette paper, and the third layers are converted into a second tobacco filler stream which is ready to be trimmed to form a rod-like filler ready to be draped into a web of cigarette paper. The tobacco layers are caused to advance along and closely follow concave sides of guide surfaces and are propelled along the respective surfaces by streams of compressed air. Subdivision of the first layer into several second and several third layers reduces the likelihood of unmixing or dehomogenization of the mixtures of tobacco particles which are about to be converted into plural tobacco filler streams.

Abstract: A hand exerciser with grip handles which in use are alternately squeezed and released against the urgency of a spring, in which the spring in use is replaceable with another spring of different resistance, to thereby correspondingly vary the resistance of the exercise routine.

Abstract: A non thrombogenic quaternary ammonium-heparin complex coating for a medical article comprising an amount of at least 50% by weight of one or more cationic quaternary ammonium organic salts having the following formula: ##STR1## Wherein R.sub.1 is an alkyl group having from about 14 to about 22 carbons;R.sub.2 is an alkyl group having from about 1 to about five carbons;R.sub.3 is an alkyl group having from about 1 to about five carbons.

Abstract: A model skeleton comprises a plurality of interconnected members, hinge joints joining some at least of the adjacent members for relative articulation between those members and a skeletal torso such as to effect partial simulation of animal movements. Each hinge joint has a pair of projections projecting from one member engaging wall of an adjacent member for relative rotation, a barb on the projection retaining that engagement, and sealing surfaces surrounding the projection and effecting seal between those members.

Abstract: In a device for the recovery of a tissue sample, tissue fluid or similar, which is detached and/or aspirated by a surgical instrument, tubing is provided between the surgical instrument and a collecting device. A vacuum-producing apparatus is assigned to the tubing. In this case the tubing (5) is to be connected to a transmission head (4), which rests with a ring seal (15) on the collecting apparatus (7).

Abstract: A mirrored training device for attachment to a ridden board-type athletic device is disclosed. The training device comprises a convex mirror in a shockproof case having attachment means for securing the training device to the board surface. The mirror casing may be angled, or unequal length legs may be provided, so that the attached convex mirror is inclined towards the rider's normal board riding position to provide a full reflection thereof. Dividing lines are provided on the mirror surface as reference points for the posture of the athlete. In an alternative embodiment the mirrored device is built into the ridden-board-type device.

Abstract: A method of teaching a student and using a computer game teaching system, a computer game and educational information contained in one or more tutorial modules. A plurality of questions contained in the tutorial module are presented to the student at pause points in the game, the scoring algorithm for the game is modified as a result of positive responses to the questions to permit higher probability of scoring in the game. The student's responses to the questions are stored in a scores database which is transmitted for analysis, at a central location which analyzes the responses from many students and prepares a report for transmittal to a parent or teacher to guide the student's further education.

Abstract: A reading method for reading text whereby the reader listens to a cyclic stereophonic sound pattern while reading text. The cyclic stereophonic sound pattern paces the reader's eye movement over the text. A decrease in the pitch of the stereophonic sound pattern reduces reader stress due to learning to read more quickly. The invention also includes reading improvement apparatus used in the practice of this method.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing filter-tipped cigarettes whereby series of first and second double cigarette portions, produced by transversely cutting two continuous cigarette rods traveling axially at substantially constant speed, are fed by respective transfer members into respective seats on respective first and second receiving rollers.The first double portions are then fed into respective seats on a third transfer roller and subsequently into alternate seats on a fourth transfer roller, the vacant seats of which receive the second double portions supplied by the second transfer roller. The first and second double portions on the fourth transfer roller are cut transversely to produce, on the fourth roller, successive pairs of aligned single portions, which are parted axially, connected via the interposition of a double filter, and then cut into cigarettes by cutting the double filter.

Abstract: A mounting arrangement for a tooth in an artificial dental jaw model, especially in an artificial denture skull, and which is utilized for teaching and practice purposes. The tooth which is to be exchanged or replaced can be pulled out with an ordinary pair of extracting pliers and in an imitation of an actual extracting procedure, and the new tooth can be inserted with the application of a forcible or strong finger pressure.

Abstract: A smokeless ashtray with controlled combustion chambers comprising a body of suitable shape and material or suitably integrated combination of materials. A top surface and a bottom surface. An ash collecting cavity integrated with an ashtray wall and the top surface. A number of controlled combustion chambers integrated with the top surface, each having a curved controlled combustion chamber surface, a groove located on the curved controlled combustion chamber surface, and a notch in the ashtray wall.

Abstract: An atherectomy probe for incrementally advancing a torque tube with a rotating cutter through an artery to remove obstructive tissue from the lumen of the artery comprises a fixed distal support and a moveable proximal support for slideably restraining the torque tube. The torque tube is rotated about a longitudinal axis by a motor which is slideably mounted inside a housing of a drive unit. A rod extending substantially parallel to the torque tube interconnects the distal support and the motor. The rod selectively secures the torque tube from longitudinally sliding with respect to the distal support. Adjacent to the rod is an elongated advancement tape having juxtaposed dual layers attached between the distal support and the proximal support. In its operation, a tape divider operatively engages with the advancement tape for aligning the tape.

Abstract: A method and apparatus to produce more effective visual subliminal communications. Graphic and/or text images, presented for durations of less than a video frame, at organized rhythmic intervals, the rhythmic intervals intended to affect user receptivity, moods or behavior. Subliminal graphic images having translucent visual values locally dependent on background values in order to maintain desired levels of visual contrast.

Abstract: Aromatized liquid is introduced into the tobacco in the area of the settling path (AS) at a point at which nearly half the final tobacco layer has accumulated. Subsequently, the second half will settle thereon so that the inserted liquid is inside the final tobacco layer (15). Liquid is injected into the tobacco without the use of compressed air, thus excluding crystal formation. The injection rate of liquid is controlled responsive to the operating speed of the cigarette making machine.

Abstract: A carriage (6) is moved so that the periphery of a roller (4) rests against the reel (3). The blade (14) of a knife (5) cuts the closing belt of the reel and a few of the outer turns of the strip. The roller is started up so that the scraps are drawn into a device (8) by suction, the free end of the strip also entering this device. The suction device pivots downward so that the free portion of the strip comes to rest upon a presentation block (54) which has meanwhile been advanced.

Abstract: Reconstituted tobacco has phosphate salts incorporated therein. Tobacco is extracted with water to yield an insoluble portion and an aqueous portion containing water soluble tobacco components. The aqueous portion is adjusted to a pH of about 7, and contacted with diammonium hydrogen orthophosphate. The extract then is applied to the insoluble portion which has been formed into a sheet-like shape. The resulting tobacco composition is dried to yield a reconstituted tobacco material.

Abstract: Educational apparatus for use with an overhead projector has a transparent grid with horizontal and vertical indices for projecting a grid onto a wall screen. A plurality of removable cover pieces, keyed to the grid, cover up grid segments whereby when the transparent grid has pictorial material a student, or player, may project a particular grid segment by picking up the cover piece on that segment.

Abstract: A device for assisting addiction treatment comprising an earphone adapted to be placed in the external auditory canal of a user's auricle, the earphone having an electrode adapted to contact the surface of the auricle, and a buzzer operable to make sounds of ultra-low frequency, a clip adapted to be attached to the rim of the auricle, the clip having an electrode adapted to contact the rim, a sound generating circuit adapted to deliver low voltage signals of low-frequency to operate the buzzer, and an acupuncture point stimulating circuit adapted to deliver a high voltage stimulus of low current to the electrodes.